2008-09 Rink Wrap: Donald Brashear
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
in Rink Wraps
150 comments
From Alzner to Varlamov, we're taking a look at and grading the 2008-09 season for every player who laced 'em up for the Caps for a significant number of games during the campaign, with an eye towards 2009-10. Next up, Donald Brashear.
Donald Brashear
#87 / Left Wing / Washington Capitals
6-3
237
Jan 07, 1972
15
UFA ($1,250,000 cap hit in 2008-09)
6.32 rating
Key Stats: Brashear was one of only four players in the NHL this past season to have ten or more fights and a salary above $1 million. The other three (Jamal Mayers, Ian Laperriere and Chris Neil) each had at least ten points.
Interesting Stat: Brashear's fights per game were actually up in 2008-09 over 2007-08.
The Good: "Everyone's bodyguard" led the Caps in hits-per-minute-per-game, hitting opponents at a rate that was more than 70% higher than notable bangers Alex Ovechkin and Matt Bradley, and he was credited with more takeaways-per-minute-per-game than all but four of his teammates (Eric Fehr, Alex Semin, Tomas Fleischmann and Nicklas Backstrom) - good numbers for a fourth-line forechecker. His one goal in 2008-09 was a memorable one: a game-winner against the Isles, Karl Alzner's first NHL point, and the source of a great post-game quote. Oh, and he's on Twitter (sidenote: @BLaich21 needs to exist, like, yesterday).
The Bad: Brashear posted the second-lowest goals- and points-per-game and third-lowest assist-per-game totals of his career, all while playing in the second-fewest games in a season since he became a full-time pro. He had the second-worst plus-minus rating on the team, saw the least ice time per game of anyone who played more than three games, and had the worst +/-ON/60 at five-on-five on the team. Brash was second on the team in penalties taken per sixty minutes at five-on-five (the only guy on the team older than The Donald was first), and he took more minor penalties per game than any Cap. And while Brashear had the lowest total special teams ice time per game of any regular on the squad, he made his seven seconds of shorthanded ice time count, as he was on the ice for a goal (which gave him the worst GAON/60 at four-on-five in the League) and he drew a penalty (giving him the second-best PDraw/60 at four-on-five).
Some of these stats, of course, can be overlooked, given his role on the team, but Brashear wasn't as successful as a pugilist as he has been in the past either, winning just six of his eleven fights this season (down from seven-for-12 last season and 10-for-14 two seasons ago) and suffering a "knee injury" that would sideline him for a month in a bad loss to Wade Belak in March.
Brashear's season ended with a six-game suspension for a hit on the Rangers' Blair Betts in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals (well, five for the hit and one for pre-game shenanigans) followed by a coach's decision to play Jay Beagle for a total of ten shifts and 6:36 of ice time in two games over Brash once the latter was again eligible to play.
The Vote: Rate Brashear below on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season - if he had the best year you could have imagined him having, give him a 10; if he more or less played as you expected he would, give him a 5 or a 6; if he had the worst year you could have imagined him having, give him a 1.
The Discussion: Is there a price at which Brashear should be brought back for another season in D.C.? If so, what would it take for him to earn a 10 rating next year?
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I gave him a decent 7 because, really, his main role on this team is to protect our stars. And I didnt see any cheap shots or any opponent really running after our guys, because they know that they have the Donald to answer to. Winning the fights isnt a huge deal, its mainly making sure they dont go after our boys. Would I like to see, say, 5 more goals? You know I would. Is it going to happen? Probably not at this stage of his career. To get a 10 next year, I would love to see said 5 goals, a positive plus minus (hey, its a checking line) and a few more fights to entertain us all. But thats probably asking for a whole hell of a lot…
by amkcaps on May 21, 2009 7:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I didnt see any cheap shots or any opponent really running after our guys, because they know that they have the Donald to answer to
Really? There were a number of times this season when I would have liked to have seen Brash send a message that ended up going undelivered.
More to the point, did you see any increase in cheap shots or runs in the month that he was out of the lineup? Me neither.
Best of luck to Donald next year, but hopefully this was his last as a Cap.
3.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On a sidenote, that picture makes me a little bit sad for giving him such a low score.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I am becoming a better Caps fan. I gave him a 4 and that’s winning.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 21, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it makes you feel better, you’re giving me a soft spot for the Leafs. I’m also living in San Francisco, so I’m a fan of the Sharks. That’s a fantastic grouping right there in terms of recent playoff success, eh?
by Gould Old Days on May 21, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it makes you feel better, you’re giving me a soft spot for the Leafs.
SAVE YOURSELF!
We actually have quite a few opposition fans dropping by which is cool to see.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 21, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think that’s weird. I’m picking up a fondness for the Bruins.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on May 21, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too on that… what am I thinking?
by Gould Old Days on May 21, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder how much of that is that I see the Caps with a mean edge in the Bruins, in a lot of ways?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on May 21, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or, after reading the Mike Wise profile of him earlier this month.
by Stephen Pepper on May 21, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, Wise wrote a column about Brashear? I had no idea – the WaPo didn’t promote it at all.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Brash the cuddliest enforcer in the NHL or what?
by boutros23 on May 21, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There were a few that did happen (I think the Atlanta and pulling Mike Green’s arm, the St. Louis and the shot to Semin are the main ones that stick in my head) but how many didn’t happen?
I realize the day where a player just goes out and lays the wood on guys for breathing on a star wrong are over, but he still is an effective policeman when given more chance to do it.
I also wonder how much is Bruce not wanting a donny brook as well.
I would take him back at the vet minimum or real close as long as he understood he might be in the press box for 40-50 games this year.
by Chimaera on May 21, 2009 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
note, i think he wasn’t in the lineup for the Green game.
by Chimaera on May 21, 2009 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There were a few that did happen… but how many didn’t happen?
That’s like saying Dubya kept us safe from terrorists after Sept. 11, 2001. But what about after Sept. 10, 2001?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We are on the same page for every vote so far JP. And I vote before going to comments…gave Brash a 3. He wasn’t atrocious, but didn’t really do what he’s here to do either. $1.25M is too much for him at this stage of his career.
by wittcap79 on May 21, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep – halfway between “what I expected” and “the worst I could imagine” felt about right.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ditto. And I don’t know how many times JP and I watched games and noted Brash letting guys off the hook after they ran a WSH star. Regardless: It was every time. And if Brash doesn’t bring protection, what does he bring? Zip.
by TylerG on May 21, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He might have been second in taken penalties/60, but he was sixth in drawn penalties/60 so that’s saying something, right? Right?
Just trying to find a silver lining. Call it a 3.
by Bald Pollack on May 21, 2009 7:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gave him a 4. Lost a few more fights than usual, and while his total fights might have been up, thought there were times where he could have stood out a little.
I still think he is the rare quantity in the NHL where he is a dedicated enforcer, but can also play regular 4th line minutes and not hurt you. He’s a good team guy, and he does play hard. If our big bodies in Hershey aren’t ready to come up, I could see signing him for another year, we could certainly do worse on our 4th line. That said, he would have to take a pay cut. The cap is just gonna be too tight for him to make over a million next year, especially since I see his fighting (wins and need to do so) being less necessary as we go on.
To earn a 10? Probably win 6 fights out of 8, 5 goals, 8-10 assists. Don’t really see it though, can’t see him back next year.
by HateOffSeason on May 21, 2009 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I still think he is the rare quantity in the NHL where he is a dedicated enforcer, but can also play regular 4th line minutes and not hurt you.
I agree with the first part (to an extent), but I think that the Caps are at a point where someone playing a regular shift and “not hurting” isn’t good enough – everyone has to bring something (and something significant) to the table. I didn’t see it from Brash this year, and can’t envision him bringing it next year.
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by J.P. on May 21, 2009 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the big problem is, he can’t eat up extra minutes in a pinch and he doesn’t bring more than a few hits.
by Chimaera on May 21, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey JP, I know you are just a couple players into your roundup, but I don’t think I have the skills on this site yet to do a poll. We seem to have a consensus on the following:
1. We need a big body on the first line, who may or may not be on the roster.
2. We need a big body on the 2nd line, who may or may not be on the roster, but certainly isn’t if the above is.
3. We need a 2nd line center who is not currently on the roster.
4. We need a shutdown D man, or at least a good defense first D man who is not on the roster to play 1st or 2nd pairing minutes.
That is a lot of holes, on top end lines eating top end minutes, to fill on a team that we think is on the brink of being Stanley Cup ready. Are we just blinded by our incredible top end talent that we can’t see that as a team we are far from ready? Or are these things that can be fixed in the offseason, from trades or from Hershey?
by HateOffSeason on May 21, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s a dream list of wants. How many teams – including the four still playing – have what the Caps currently have AND the four things you listed. Pretty much none. So I’d say with the talent they have, the experience they’ve gained, a coaching adjustment or two and a couple of the things on your list, they’re very much on the brink of being Stanley Cup ready.
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by J.P. on May 21, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that it is a dream list. But from earlier discussion, you don’t think we have a set 3rd line either, since you think Brads is pretty much 4th line material. That means that of the 3 lines that gets most of the ice time, we don’t think we have the personnel on any of them. That is kind of scary. I’m not saying we manage to place all-stars in every position, but is there even a chance to address this through trades or promotions?
by HateOffSeason on May 21, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m thinking I’m looking for #4 and one thing that isn’t on that list – a big body who is willing to crash the net for either the first or second line.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on May 21, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I gave him a 4 because I think his role of enforcer did not live up to my expectations. His fight win/loss record doesn’t matter to me as long as he throws down when the situation warrents it (enforcer role and all). I can’t name specifics instances, a major foul here on Japers’ Rink, but I remember several times thinking to myself ‘Donald will take care of that his next shift’ only to be disappointed. I was also disappointed with his goals/points, but not too much, as he is on the checking line and my expectations weren’t too high to begin with.
I also think this is his last year with the Caps because, as JP pointed out, this team is now at a place where ‘not hurting the team’ is not good enough if they are going to become a dominate club. BB’s decision to play a physical/big Beagle after the suspension was the right move.
Nothing against Brash, he’s mostly done what he’s paid for, but at his salary I say move along.
If he is here next year, to receive a 10 he needs to cut down on the unnecessary minor penalties, do a better job of protecting other players and rack up, say, 5 goals and 15 points.
by kcfatts on May 21, 2009 8:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can’t name specifics instances, a major foul here on Japers’ Rink, but I remember several times thinking to myself ‘Donald will take care of that his next shift’ only to be disappointed.
Not naming specifics isn’t a major foul here when you agree with me. ;-)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It is tough to penalize Donald when the league has basically made it impossible for him to enforce. We have talked about it a lot here. Donald is willing to throw ‘em with anyone but only a rare few are willing to throw ’em with Brash. He’s good at his job, too bad his job doesn’t really have a place in today’s NHL.
by Sct112 on May 21, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d. Whenever I see Brash now, I can’t help but think of Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler. A guy with a very troubled childhood, a loner who’s getting on in years doing a job that he probably doesn’t like much anymore and, for which, there isn’t that big a need. I appreciate that he loves it here in DC ( and how great is it that Washington now a place where everybody wants to stay), but the Caps need the roster spot and the cap space. Good for him that he’s learning Russian. It’ll come in handy next year when he’s kicking the crap out of some Russian tough guy next year in the KHL.
by b.orr4 on May 21, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s going to make a fantastic scout one day. I hope it’s for the Caps.
by Gould Old Days on May 21, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don’t think he is willing to throw them with everyone.
He isn’t a young kid coming up from the AHL trying to make a name. He doesn’t want to give upstarts a chance and take a big one from guys. He knows he is older and slower, but he also has earned his stripes and picks his spots.
by Chimaera on May 21, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed. Brash has earned the right to pick his spots. Just because Colton Orr wants to go doesn’t mean Brash has to oblige him. The Belak fight should be a big red flag that it’s time to go. I would hate to see a guy like Brash, who’s been so willing over his career to take on the toughest heavyweights, end up crumpled and dazed on the ice because his reflexes are too slow to dodge a big right. Leave now and you go down as one of the best fighters in the history of the game.
by b.orr4 on May 21, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This “fighter’s code” is actually an interesting topic. Laraque I think addressed this and Brash also commented on it. They actually DO feel obliged to take on these young guys when they want to go. It’s how they made a name for themselves, and they feel obliged to help the young guy along as well
by gnuf on May 21, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That works only if it’s not at a critical juncture in the game. Dan Carcillo getting into a fight when the Flyers were up 3-0 in game six is an example of a dumb fight. A lot of times these young gunslingers are sent out to start a fight when their team is behind in the hopes it light a fire under the team. Brash’s job at that point is to not play into the opposing coach’s hands which he did numerous times during the season.
by b.orr4 on May 21, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Also, submitted for consideration, “The Code” is a bunch of testosterone-fueled crap.
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by J.P. on May 21, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like, for example, the part that says that one should only engage a willing combatant? Unless you really want to clock a guy and that guy just won’t cooperate, in which case you can still slug him because he could, and just chose not to, defend himself?
by Stephen Pepper on May 21, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ward violated the code by being a pussy. Or something. I didn’t read that chapter.
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by J.P. on May 21, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crosby did that one time too, as we all remember (same night as Semin’s slapping show, too!).
by red army line on May 21, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. Kypreos had a more circular, tongue-tied way of putting it. Reminded me of the “rules of engagement” during outside recess in middle school.
by Stephen Pepper on May 21, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure that nobody said that Walker was within the Code. Just because the Code gets violated on occasion doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. I think there is a Code in operation among the majority of players but I don’t think it always controls behavior by any means.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 21, 2009 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. They call it The Code™. The rest of us call it "How Not To Be An Asshole At Work."
We have an unspoken rule at my job whereby you don’t take something that’s not yours out of the fridge, no matter how thirsty you are and how refreshing that Sprite might look. Sometimes that rule is violated, but for the most part it isn’t. What we don’t do, however, is refer to this respect as being a part of any "Code," though perhaps we should.
"I know you drank my Sprite, Jim. You violated the fucking code."
"The what?"
"The fucking code, Jim. Christ. People used to respect each other in this job, but not any more. It’s unreal."
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. And wouldn’t you feel much better if everyone you worked with just accepted that you could punch someone in the face for taking your Sprite?
by Fehr and Balanced on May 22, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait a minute...
It’s not acceptable to punch someone in the face for taking your Sprite?
Is that why I had to go to that seminar?
by Vickster on May 22, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But that’s outside of my job’s “Code.”
I guess my point is that there’s a romanticized notion of hono(u)r and valo(u)r associated with fighting in the NHL when, for the most part, it’s really just thuggery. Necessary at times? Sure.
But when, on a nightly basis for example, guys start beating the crap out of opponents for clean hits, I have a hard time believing that The Code™ really means all that much.
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by J.P. on May 22, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are no parentheses in those words.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 22, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with all of that. “How Not To Be An Asshole At Work” is a great description. I think I only really disagree in terms of degree. I think the Code does serve a purpose and operates at a relatively general level. Code violations get a lot of attention, for good reason, but I think the vast majority of the time players treat each other with a lot of respect considering how vulnerable every player is. I think of the Code like I think of chivalry; it has been on a steady decline, and was never as prevalent as it’s made out to be.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 22, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don’t think he is willing to throw them with everyone.
I’d have to disagree here. His 08-09 fight card is practically a Who’s Who of enforcer: Shelly, Parros, Brookbank, Orr, Belak, Boulton, Cote. Brash definitely picks his spots more than some tough guys but I think he’s willing to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the NHL.
by David M. Getz on May 21, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, but the confluence of guys willing to fight him is shrinking all the time, and so too is his value. I mean, those guys you listed – half of them are scratched as often as not.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hogwash. There are times it is acceptable to take an instigator. When a thug tries to goon up AO, it is plenty OK to take an instigator. That’s what the PK is for.
by TylerG on May 21, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would Donald make that decision himself? I would think that he would be working on instructions from the coaching staff, or at least have his marching orders laid out to him. Probably more importantly, he has to be put in a position that he can start that fight. If Briere sticks Ovie in the groin, if Brash never skates against Danny, there isn’t much he can do to defend Ovie.
by Sct112 on May 21, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t be such a stickler for details. Brash is supposed to use his Vulcan mind meld to force Bruce to order him over the boards when Briere is out there.
by b.orr4 on May 21, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
specifics
…albeit anecdotally, from Japers’ Rink (and not including game threads, where Brashear’s lack of enforcing was a regular lament):
Feb. 27
Perhaps someone smarter than I can explain this sequence of events: Rich Peverley gets his stick up under Alex Ovechkin’s visor (and somehow, two referees miss it); Ovechkin tussles with Marty Reasoner; Donald Brashear then fights Eric Boulton. How on earth is Brash “doing his job” there?
Moreover, the lack of a physical response from the team after David Backes cross-checked Alex Semin was infuriating – that’s definitely the “troubling” part. If Donald Brashear isn’t fighting (he hasn’t in a month), and he isn’t deterring opponents from running the team’s goalies and star forwards, what, exactly, is he doing for $1.2 million?
One more thought about tonight’s game – the Caps come into the game with the second-fewest fighting majors in the League, a goalie who has been run repeatedly in the past few games as he nurses a sore hip and a superstar who was taken advantage of a bit by this same Islander team a week-and-a-half ago. Is anyone going to be satisfied with Donald Brashear saying, “Games like that happen and it’s going to happen because I can’t be out there all the time doing what I do for [them]” if these trends continue?
Donald Brashear had a strong game (other than the forementioned lack of enforcing with respect to Ottawa’s net crashing, which comes on the heels of Boston using the Caps crease as a throughway… this is becoming a bit of an issue, isn’t it?).
the “games like that happen” quote, combined with the postseason shot on betts, a ton of unnecessary penalties, and the long absence after the belak beatdown….brashear gave much less than i expected, and lost his job altogether in the playoffs: 2. (i’m saving my only 1 for someone special.)
by Natty Bumppo on May 21, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 16 recs
Thanks for the details and well done!
by kcfatts on May 21, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome, awesome work, Natty. I wish I could rec it more than once.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dec 13 – Dec 19 was tough 6 days for the Donald here at the Rink.
by Sct112 on May 21, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
May 21 is turning out to be one as well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know about that. I sense a fair amount of love for Brash for the job he’s done over the years and for him as an individual. There’s just the common realization that at his age and in today’s NHL, it’s time for him to go.
by b.orr4 on May 21, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Still, we’re doling out some tough reality, and the vote currently has him as having performed below expectations.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I would argue could any 37 year old enforcer on a super talented team, playing in a league that favors skill over violence exceed expectations? The deck is purposely stacked against his breed of player. That’s why he’s not needed any longer.
by b.orr4 on May 21, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure he could have exceeded expectations. He was always billed as an enforcer who could get a regular shift and actually contribute. Well, he got the regular shifts (as compared to some straight-up goons), but didn’t contribute.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You and I have always had differing views on Brash’s role on this team. I’m not sure 8 minutes a game constitutes regular shifts, but that’s not important. I always felt his benefit came from just being in the lineup, not from how many fights he got into or how many goals he scored. I often referred to him as our nuclear deterrent. It’s impossible to argue the speculative, so I can’t tell you how many cheap shots on AO or Backstrom his presence prevented. But I think it would be foolish to deny that it did stop some runs against our stars. In any case, we both agree that it’s time for him to go.
by b.orr4 on May 21, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aye.
And I mean regular shifts as compared to run-of-the-mill thugs. Brash got 8+ minutes per night – twice what a Cote or Godard got.
As for speculation, I’m sure his presence may have had some deterrent, but in the month he was out, did you ever think, “Damn, that wouldn’t have happened if Brash was in the lineup?”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, but then again, in the last month of the season a lot of teams were worried about taking stupid penalties that could lead to lost games that could lead to not making the playoffs. I guess we’ll never know for sure. Then again if history is prologue, I do remember never taking liberties with a certain pain-in-the-ass neighborhood kid because his brother was a psychopath who would beat you into the ground for looking cross-eyed at him. Not that that applies here.
by b.orr4 on May 21, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the players, specifically Chris Clark, can aver the truth in this – Brash was most definitely a deterrent. well worth the dough.
by S h a g g y on May 21, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am curious about the 1 that is waiting in the wings. Theodore?
by Moonage Daydream on May 21, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
C’mon… don’t ruin the surprise!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you are going to be in the minority, Natty, so it will be fun listening to you reasons.
I expect something along the lines of “he stole my wife and dog and egged my house.”
by Moonage Daydream on May 21, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I expect something along the lines of "he stole my wife and dog and egged my house."
So, Laich?
by David M. Getz on May 21, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wouldn’t that be a 60 waiting in the wings? 1 is Johnny, who I’m curious about too.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on May 21, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you are going to be in the minority, Natty, so it will be fun listening to you reasons.
Of course! That dude is so far off my radar, I didn’t even think off him when I was running through the Caps. I retract my previous “minority statement.”
JP, think you can adjust the scale to go into negatives?
by Moonage Daydream on May 21, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice rundown, Natty.
I disagree however with the Feb 27 highstick. Totally accidental, did no damage to AO other than sting him and piss him off, and was not at all what I consider taking a liberty with a star player.
As a general point, Ovie is at the stage in his career where in certain cases, such as this, he simply needs to man up. I’m not talking about dropping the gloves (though he would do wonders for his rep if he did), but just doing exactly what he did in this situation. He got pissed off, went after the nearest Thrasher, and got a roughing minor. If he can’t handle the Rich Peverleys of the world himself, he’s just going to be making it harder on his teammates.
by Cluster on May 21, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The way I view these ratings is like Ebert rates films....
He will give a film a relatively high rating even if he thinks it abhorrent IF IT DELIVERS WHAT IT"S TARGETED AUDIENCE WANTS.
JP, as usual, provides the proper perspective by mentioning the 4 other highly paid pugilists. SO – Brash is doing well when rated against his peers, IMO. I dont share the " he lets people run over our stars and doesnt call them out" view that some do – I think he was probably told that doing so would be instigating and result in a poor penalty.
Recall last season and that critical 2 game stretch against the Pens and Bruins where Brash just cold cocked someone (I forget which) resulting in a 4 minute penalty that just killed the Caps (and almost the season). Up until he broke Betts’ face, I think he may have been more cognizant of that this year.
I think Brash had a knack for the untimely penalty – but the man can skate and do the old “chip and charge” pretty well – seriously. He has good hands.
What is wrong with bringing back a popular physical presence that the Caps still lack outside Ovie, Juice and Erskine at the vet minimum? Nothing. The Caps have far more critical things to focus on.
I like Brash – but I don’t like his chances.
by S h a g g y on May 21, 2009 9:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I dont share the " he lets people run over our stars and doesnt call them out" view that some do – I think he was probably told that doing so would be instigating and result in a poor penalty.
if BB fundamentally doesn’t believe in enforcing, why did the caps re-sign brash last summer, and why was BB giving him a shirt so many nights?
by Natty Bumppo on May 21, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
3. I didn’t have a feeling that other teams were intimidated by his physique and energy. Don’t see him with the Caps next season. Russia’s oily money bags will probably give him enough dough to play in KHL for another year and I hope he will enjoy it. At least he’s learned some Russian from his teammates and will be ready to curse the way Russians do.
by fnralch on May 21, 2009 9:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
1) The playoffs really displayed how little the team needed Brashear. They were forced to stand up for themselves and the truth is in the New NHL, players like Brashear are becoming dinosaurs. Soon to be extinct.
2) There is virtually no chance you’ll see him back next season at any price.
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
by Fauxrumors on May 21, 2009 9:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cooper
Tinker
Farrier
Iceman
Reeve
Barker
Pardoner
Ostler
Summoner
Dedicated NHL Enforcer
by Gould Old Days on May 21, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
?
I threw down a 2.
I love Brash, but I expected him to do what was necessary to stay on the team. As a lot of us pointed out, his fault or not, he didn’t. I am really amazed that anyone gave above a 5.
I want him to stay, but know that he won’t. If he wasn’t needed in the critical games after his suspension, he won’t be needed next season, either.
by Love and Osechkin on May 21, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was at a game this season which got distinctly out of hand right towards the end.. SOMEONE needed to settle everyone down because the refs certainly weren’t going to do it. The opposing team was taking cheap hits, and Brashear was sent out on two shifts within a few minutes to clean up.
He didn’t.
2.
by :hsughrofl: on May 21, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Would that be the St. Louis game where Semin got cross-checked in the back?
I remember that – both Ovi and Brash were drilling anyone unfortunate enough to have the puck within their skating reach, but nobody dropped. Brash was definitely looking for trouble out there. I think he was afraid of taking an instigator in the last five minutes of the game, and you note that Backes didn’t skate at all after that hit. My guess is Murray knew damn good and well that, being the visitor, if Backes went back out, the Donald’s line would go out against them, and Backes was going to get thrashed, penalty or not.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on May 21, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so if he goes, and someone isn’t added I give it till week 2 before there are flames about why a toughness need wasn’t addressed.
I’m not saying that Brash is the perfect fit here, or that he should be kept. But I don’t think going the full season with Erskine and Bradley as the main pugilists is a scenario I want to experience. Irregardless if some think that fighting is done and that an enforcer isn’t needed, fighting is still part of the game.
by Chimaera on May 21, 2009 10:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ll take a rugged defenseman and/or a winger who’ll take a beating in front of the net over an “enforcer” any day. That’s toughness when it matters (and for a refresher on that point, DMG’s excellent post on the subject).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll take a rugged defenseman and/or a winger who’ll take a beating in front of the net over an "enforcer" any day.
Amen. How many people thinks the Caps would still be playing if they had those two guys?
by Moonage Daydream on May 21, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ask Chris Clark about standing in front of the net...
when Ovie drilled that mutha that almost de-eared him. Seriously, if you’re coach said “get in front of the net” I’d be f’ing terrified with Ovie out there. Seriously.
by S h a g g y on May 21, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AO has registered 1,791 regular season shots on goal in his career and another 711 shots that missed the net. One caught Clarkie in the melon.
Go to the net. Odds are pretty good it’s not going to kill you.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1,643 of those shots were without anyone in front of the net.
By my math, if you are in front, you have a 1 in 148 chance of getting your ear knocked off. The way Ovie shoots, thats like a forward down every 4 games. Are there enough forwards in the system for that pace? ;)
by Sct112 on May 21, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I hear your point, but have a quick question – What do the bottom two (and three of the bottom eight) teams here have in common?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Rec’d
If the NHL is altering the times, we need to change with them. As much as I love watching Brash…
by gnuf on May 21, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There seems to be a tendency to confuse fighting for toughness. Fighting has its place, but you don’t need to punch a guys lights out for running over Varly. Nailing him to the boards, decking him the next time he gets below the dots, running over Biron are effective answers as well.
by Sct112 on May 21, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
There seems to be a tendency to confuse fighting for toughness.
Agreed. I think the issue is that people oversimplify things: guys who fight are tough and some people turn that around and start thinking that toughness is measured solely by fights.
by David M. Getz on May 21, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since DMG is too modest, I’ll provide the link to his earlier post on exactly this point.
by Stephen Pepper on May 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can never pimp D’s stuff enough. ;-)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And here I thought I’d broken new ground ;)
by Sct112 on May 21, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the same time, 9 out of those top 12 teams made the playoffs, and 4 out of the bottom 7 didn’t make the playoffs. In my opinion, the preponderance (that’s for you, counsel!) or lack of fighting majors during the regular season isn’t correlated with overall team success. Yes, Detroit won the Cup last year, but so did the big, bad Anaheim Ducks two years ago.
by Cluster on May 21, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But the thing about the Ducks is that they fight from top to bottom. It’s distributed. I still don’t think a dedicated enforcer does them or anyone else any good.
by Gould Old Days on May 21, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would argue that PIT used the “dedicated enforcer” philosophy this season with Godard. This year’s final four teams in the postseason all seem to have different mindsets when it comes to fighting. One team never fights (DET), one team carried a dedicated enforcer and dressed him regularly (PIT, Godard, 71 games), one team has half a dozen willing combatants every night (CHI), and one team had a goon that was mostly scratched (CAR, Conboy, 28 games).
I just have a hard time buying into postseason success being based on the number of regular season fighting majors. Once the playoffs roll around, roster strategies change due to what’s at stake. It’s hard to knock the Caps strategy of carrying Brashear when Pittsburgh did the same thing with Godard. Neither of them is a factor in the postseason, but it can argued that their respective team’s low number of fighting majors might be due simply to their presence in the lineup.
by Cluster on May 21, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 4...
…with a thank you, but don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Brash was an effective enforcer the two years previous, but now…I don’t know. That he didn’t get back into the line-up when he was eligible speaks volumes. I am almost certain he has played his last game as a Cap (if not his last NHL game). I hope he has good luck and finds some solace wherever he goes for 2009-10 (Is Omsk hiring?).
As for how does he get a 10 next year – simply, he doesn’t. He’s nearing (if not at) retirement age for a player of his type with limited skills. Sure Nick Fotiu played longer and was older when he hung them up, but he actually was more skilled than Donald.
I suspect the Caps have a future enforcer in Della Rovere (who also looks like he can score some…) If the Caps need an enforcer in the short term, there are plenty out there…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on May 21, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A 9?
I didn’t know Wade Belak visited the Rink.
by Bald Pollack on May 21, 2009 10:46 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Heh. There are a few 1’s on Backstrom, too. Good to know our Pens and Rangers friends are still visiting us, I suppose. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Pens or Rangers fan voting a 1 for Backstrom says more about Backstrom than all our love in the world :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on May 21, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Playing devil’s advocate, if you expected nothing, would doing “anything” be worth a grade of above expectations? Nah, wouldn’t think so.
I gave a four, and that was after reading many of the comments. There were times when I’d see him skating with the puck and I’d think,“gee, I didn’t know he could move like that.” But then nothing would come of it. I suppose it could have been worse. I agree with the sentiments that he doesn’t bring enough to the table any more to justify the salary, and there’s likely someone much younger and cheaper in the system who can do more with the limited minutes.
by gfcaps fan on May 21, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you truly expected literally nothing and a guy provided a net positive, he should score above a 6.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brash got a 3 from me because I thought he was going to suck (a 5) and he sucked a bit worse than I expected.
Sorry Donald, and sorry to my friends that got his jersey this year. At least it’s KHL red.
by zephyr on May 21, 2009 11:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Another point for consideration – who was Ovechkin’s bodyguard in his rookie year? No one. Or, rather, everyone. The Caps had 25% more fighting majors in 2005-06 than they did this past season, and were led by Matt Bradley’s eight.
Granted, the team’s different now in many ways, including behind the bench – in 2006-07, the team had 40 fights, in 2007-08 (3/4 of which Boudreau coached) they had 33 and this past season 28.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 11:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As unpleasant as that team was, that there were so many guys willing to drop was one thing I loved. I think a team with a half dozen guys willing to (semi-) regularly is more of a deterrent to your average player than a guy like Brashear. Ideally a team should have least one guy like that out at all times, imo.
by David M. Getz on May 21, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And with no more Brashear, you may see Gordon step up a bit more, or Laich, or Bourque (who I think will earn Brash’s roster spot). Obviously, Bradley, Clark and Erskine have already shown their willingness.
If we start seeing Tom Poti or Alex Ovechkin throw, then we know something’s wrong and the team needs to add someone. But I think the team has enough folks willing to throw that they don’t need to add anyone if Brashear goes.
by Gould Old Days on May 21, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The obvious solution is...
…we need to bring back the in-his-prime Gordie Howe. If the Caps had a guy that registered a goal, an assist and laid some poor sap out every night, anyone think they’d not still be playing?
JP, pick up the batphone and get Ted on it, stat.
by fat_daddyo on May 21, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except that Gordie only ever registered a Gordie Howe hat trick twice in his career. Jarome Iginla’s got more of those than Gordie Howe does.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on May 21, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My honest opinion on Brash
As someone who has worn his jersey for the past 2 years when attending games, I was much more “proud” to wear it last year than this year.
That being said, what we needed most in our most important game of this season was #87 in the lineup. If we were going to skate his replacement only 3ish min of game 7 vs Pitt, I keep wondering why not just give Donald the jersey so, in the event the team needs a spark (and they did, in a major way) he could jump in there, beat on Orprick and be done with it.
I gave him a 4. Not quite what I wanted from him this year (would have given him a 6 last year). But to answer the question of, what $$ and what can he do to get a 10?
Vet min would be nice, but depending on the development of Della and Finley (neither of whom I think are ready for real minutes), I think he could be valued @1M. Reason being, we have very few guys on the team who can drop the gloves and have a chance to win the fight when needed. If JE04 can play next year at the level he played these playoffs, the last thing we want to do is see him (a d man) in the box for 5 min, or risk injury because of a fight.
I’m still one that believes enforcers are required. And without The Donald, where are we going to get that from?
BRING BACK PEAT!
by FFSEnough on May 21, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A Stephen Peat reference?????
Aye yie yie, now I’ve seen almost everything this offseason!
by Vickster on May 21, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Egads…
Since the 2004-05, here are the games he has played according to HockeyDB.com
2004-05 Danbury Trashers 7 (in the old UHL)
2005-06 Washington Capitals 1
2005-06 Hershey Bears 5
2005-06 Lowell Lock Monsters 3 (with 23 PIM a goal and an assist!)
2006-07 Albany River Rats 1
That’s it. I think he’s pretty well done.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on May 22, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was always weirdly partial to bryan muir. an added bonus that he “dabbles in ass-whooping”.
by Natty Bumppo on May 21, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I gotta admit, I was a HUGE Chris Simon fan when he was here. I loved watching him throw down and that 29 goal 49 point year was unbelievable. Sad the way his career ended, but he gave the Caps his best years and I thought he was great to watch (and great to the fans at Piney) when he was here.
That being said, I would hate for Brash to stay too long at the fair, especially as a Cap. I think he’s done, but I hope he stays with the organization in some capacity.
by Vickster on May 21, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I forgot to put in my response, was send Donald to Hershey as a “pugilism coach” and let him teach the kids how to throw down. Maybe give Brads and Clark some classes over the summer.
by FFSEnough on May 22, 2009 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone here should give The Donald a 10 “based on his performance relative to his potential and our expectations for the season”.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 21, 2009 12:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, the only way he could possibly get a ‘10’ from me next season, is to hang the skates.
by :hsughrofl: on May 21, 2009 12:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Or go and give the KHL fans a good show.
by Gould Old Days on May 21, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I expected exactly what we got out of him – thus he get a 10.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 21, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rate Brashear below on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season – if he had the best year you could have imagined him having, give him a 10; if he more or less played as you expected he would, give him a 5 or a 6; if he had the worst year you could have imagined him having, give him a 1.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I heartily recommend reading the above paragraph. Yep.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 21, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’m definitely a stickler for the rules on this game. i still can’t believe so many people gave kolzig 7s last year. they were expecting worse??
by Natty Bumppo on May 21, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kolzig gets an 8 or so for me for his career.
I think a lot of people last year were giving him career ratings.
by Gould Old Days on May 21, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, the lifetime achievement Rink Wrap. I think I’d have given him a 9 – won a Vezina, 300 games, took the team to the Finals, incredible leader throughout most of his career, holds just about every franchise goaltending record, and fought his best man. Hard to have imagined him having a much better career than he did.
Sigh. Now I’m all nostalgic for Olie.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Olie is just awesome. He is 60% of the reason I play hockey.
It felt so right when Varly was in net and we were all chanting Varly after a save just like the old time Olie chants.
by zephyr on May 21, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t see Brash getting a 10 next year unless he’s back for considerably less, played upwards of 70 games, nets 8-10 G and actually stands up when teams take liberties with Green and Semin (and I guess Flash…)
He can get a 5 if he rebounds a little from this year to 4-8-12, wins ~60% of fights and keeps on forechecking. But to be honest, I don’t want him back, I’d rather see Laing, Beagle, or Aucoin with the big club for stretches… (not necessarily in that order)
-d
by meep_42 on May 21, 2009 12:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gave a 2
I don’t see how he added anything whatsoever to the team this year. He gets a 2 for making a few nice plays here and there and at least being a good fighter. My real problem is that the guy can’t skate anymore. He is about 4 steps behind everyone else and its getting to the point where his size and strength isn’t being put to use because he just can’t keep up. Last year I thought he showed a number of flashes of offensive skill and puck possession to go with fighting.
If all he is out there is a fighter and cannot forecheck or hold possession anymore, I don’t see how he is a net gain any longer.
by Mixmy1200s on May 21, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He got a 6 from me. I think he pretty much played about as well as a 37 year old enforcer is goign to play in the league as it’s been this season. I don’t hold the lack of big enforcement against him — I believe that the choice whether to enforce or not to enforce wasn’t in his hands. When he did his thing, he was good at it and when he was on the ice he wasn’t killing us.
I sincerely hope that the Caps find a place in the organization for him.
by jimmiebjr on May 21, 2009 5:14 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Amen to that last sentence.
Brashear is one of the good ones. In the 70s or early 1980s he’d still have a place in this league. I really do think he’d make a great scout. You listen to him talk, and you realize that he’s got a fundamental understanding about people and about hockey, but mostly about people. I suspect Brashear can spot a particular variety of headcase a mile away. And he seems to relish the solitary life and the adventure of travel. He doesn’t see to me to be the coaching personality — much more of a scout. I’d send him to Western Canada or even to Europe.
by Gould Old Days on May 21, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gave him a 4 for all the obvious reasons
As for who takes The Donald’s place, isn’t that why the Caps signed Kip Brennan? He certainly knows how to throw them and can lay a good body check.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsom40270ss
http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2009/05/bears_brennan_gets_too_frisky.html
You can't reason someone out of something they weren't reasoned into.
by ChrisAm on May 21, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
one more for fun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1p4tUwTWs0&feature=related
You can't reason someone out of something they weren't reasoned into.
by ChrisAm on May 21, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus. That clip’s nasty.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 21, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nods Kip Brennan is fun to watch play, but holy moly can he be nasty.
I thought it was the Bears who signed Kip, though, not the Caps. Does that mean he can’t be called up? Can someone clarify?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on May 21, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Makes it more complicated, particularly if the Caps keep signing the full maximum of contracts. But if they wanted him, they’d get it done.
But I don’t see Kip making the NHL. Could be wrong, but he seems like an AHL kind of guy.
by Gould Old Days on May 22, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Caps did not sign Kip Brennan to replace Donald Brashear.
The Caps did not sign Brennan at all, in fact. Sparkly is right – he has a contract with the Bears (not sure if it expires at the end of this season or not). The Caps would have to purchase that contract (assuming it extends through next year), then he’d have to clear waivers to be recalled.
Basically, Gouldie’s spot-on – Kip Brennan is not an NHLer.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 22, 2009 6:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Five
Four for his performance, plus 1 because that article still haunts me.
by dcrock on May 21, 2009 9:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
MORE ENFORCERS!!!!
This roster is soft. Remember ’98? The Chief, Chris Simon, Witt? Even Mark Tinordi stood others up. People were scared of them (Except the Stupid Wings). Replace the recently departed with some muscle and go win it all!!!
by brettpedigo on Jun 1, 2009 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and at least one of the “10” votes has identified himself.
by Natty Bumppo on Jun 2, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
70 | 47 | 14 | 9 | 103 |
|
Atlanta
|
69 | 29 | 29 | 11 | 69 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
69 | 28 | 29 | 12 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
68 | 28 | 30 | 10 | 66 |
|
Carolina
|
69 | 28 | 33 | 8 | 64 |
(updated 3.17.2010 at 8:57 AM EDT)
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